Grants and Loans for Startups & Small Businesses in the Scottish Borders: Your Funding Guide

Are you a budding entrepreneur or an existing business owner in the Scottish Borders seeking financial support? The Scottish Borders Council and other organizations offer various grants and government-backed loans to help you start or grow your business. This guide provides essential information to help you navigate the available funding opportunities.

Advice on Applying

Contact Business Gateway Scottish Borders
Begin by reaching out to Business Gateway Scottish Borders. Their expert advisors can assess your needs, guide you to the most suitable funding options, and provide valuable advice on preparing a strong application. You can access their services through their website.

Understand Eligibility Criteria
Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each grant or loan to ensure your business meets all the requirements before applying. This will save time and increase your chances of success.

Prepare a Strong Application
When applying for funding, pay close attention to detail and ensure you provide all the requested information. A well-crafted business plan, financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will be used can significantly improve your application’s chances.

Meet Deadlines
Be aware of application deadlines and submit your application well in advance. Late submissions are typically not considered.

Seek Additional Support
If you need help with your application or business plan, consider seeking assistance from a business advisor or consultant. Additional support can increase the likelihood of a successful application.

Grant and Loan Programs

Grants

LEADER
LEADER is a funding program that supports rural communities and business projects. It aims to enhance the local economy and is open to various sectors. For more information, visit the LEADER funding program.
Visit Scotland Growth Fund
This fund supports tourism businesses in creating new products and experiences that can attract more visitors to the region. For details, visit the Visit Scotland Growth Fund.

Government-Backed Loans

Business Loan Fund
Small businesses in the Scottish Borders can apply for a loan ranging from £1,000 to £20,000. The fund is designed to help businesses grow and become more competitive. Learn more about the Business Loan Fund.
Business Loans Scotland
This program offers loans of up to £100,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises through a consortium of Scottish local authorities. More information can be found on the Business Loans Scotland website.
Start-Up Loans
A UK-wide initiative, Start Up Loans provides government-backed personal loans and mentoring for new businesses less than 24 months old. Visit the Start Up Loans website for more information.

Key Resources

Business Gateway Scottish Borders
Business Gateway offers local business support, including advice on funding and growth opportunities. Visit their website for more information.
Business Funding and Grants - Scottish Borders Council
The Scottish Borders Council provides detailed information on available funding opportunities and support programs on their Business funding and grants page.
Find Business Support
The Scottish Government's Find Business Support website allows you to search for funding and support programs based on your location and business needs.

Scottish Borders Council Contact Information

Website: Business Funding and Grants - Scottish Borders Council
Business Gateway Scottish Borders: Business Gateway Scottish Borders
Phone: +44 300 100 1800
Email: Contact through the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the LEADER funding program?
- LEADER supports rural communities and business projects in the Scottish Borders, aiming to enhance the local economy.
How can I apply for the Visit Scotland Growth Fund?
- The Visit Scotland Growth Fund supports tourism businesses. Applications can be made through their official website.
What is the Business Loan Fund?
- This fund offers loans ranging from £1,000 to £20,000 to help small businesses in the Scottish Borders grow.
What is Business Loans Scotland?
- Business Loans Scotland provides loans of up to £100,000 to small and medium-sized enterprises through a consortium of Scottish local authorities.
Who can apply for a start-up loan?
- Start-up loans are available to new businesses less than 24 months old across the UK.
Where can I find more information about business funding in the Scottish Borders?
- Visit the Scottish Borders Council's Business funding and grants page for detailed information.
What support does Business Gateway Scottish Borders offer?
- Business Gateway offers advice on funding, business planning, and growth opportunities.
Are there deadlines for these grants and loans?
- Yes, some programs may have specific deadlines. Always check with the relevant organizations or contact Business Gateway Scottish Borders for up-to-date information.
Can I apply for multiple grants or loans?
- It depends on the specific terms of each grant or loan. It’s best to check with the funding providers for details.
What should I include in my business plan for the application?
- Include a detailed overview of your business, financial projections, and a clear explanation of how the funding will be used.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE

INVESTMENT

What is Value Ad?

Value Ad is an innovative policy designed to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between two key groups: new businesses and service providers. This policy helps startups save significantly on essential services while enabling service providers to gain valuable traction and growth opportunities.

How is it a Win-Win Deal?

For New Businesses:

Cost Savings: Startups can save 50% to 80% on essential services such as website development and marketing. This means they don’t need to invest heavily upfront, making it easier to launch and grow their business.

Alternative Investment: The money saved through these discounts can be reinvested into other critical areas of the business, acting as an alternative investment that fuels further growth and development.

For Service Providers:

Initial Customer Base: Service providers, often tech startups themselves, can attract a significant number of initial customers by offering their services at a discounted rate. This helps them build traction and demonstrate value, which is crucial for attracting venture capital (VC) funding and other opportunities.

Marketing Efficiency: By providing affordable services, service providers do not need to spend heavily on marketing to acquire new customers. The discounted services themselves become a powerful marketing tool, bringing in customers who can spread the word and enhance the provider’s reputation.

Growth and Expansion: Attracting more customers through Value Ad helps service providers expand their client base and build long-term relationships, which can lead to increased revenue and business growth.

Alternative Investment for New Businesses:

For new businesses, the significant cost savings achieved through the Value Ad policy effectively serve as an alternative investment. Instead of spending large amounts on website development and marketing, they can leverage the affordable services provided by service providers. The saved funds can be redirected into other strategic areas of the business, enhancing overall growth and sustainability.

Benefits for Service Providers:

Service providers benefit from the Value Ad policy by gaining access to a ready pool of new customers who are drawn by the discounted rates. This initial customer base is crucial for:

Building Traction: Demonstrating product or service viability to potential investors.

Securing Funding: Enhanced customer traction and a growing user base can make the service provider more attractive to venture capitalists and other funding sources.

Market Penetration: Establishing a presence in the market quickly and efficiently without heavy marketing expenditures.

In Summary:

Value Ad is a strategic policy designed to create a win-win scenario for both new businesses and service providers. By offering significant discounts on essential services, startups can save and reinvest those savings, while service providers gain crucial initial customers and market traction. This mutually beneficial arrangement supports the growth and success of both groups, making Value Ad a powerful tool for business development and investment.

Value AD

CAN BE

ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT